The Department of Health (DoH) advocates the 4-S strategy in eliminating this mosquito-borne disease that affects over 50 million people worldwide and 24,000 deaths annually, the World Health Organization (WHO) data reveal.

The 4-S strategy involves Searching and destroying all mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection measures, Seeking early treatment and Saying no to indiscriminate fogging except during outbreaks.

DoH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III emphasized the need to destroy all breeding sites of mosquitoes and to discard containers that may contain water. He also said breeding sites can be destroyed through draining clogged waterways and putting soil in small pockets of water.

“Individuals can protect themselves from day bites by using topical insect repellents or by wearing protective clothing. Patients are also urged to seek treatment if there are persistently high fever, appearance of skin rashes or any signs of bleeding,” he said.

Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne disease among humans that is considered an international public health concern by the WHO. It has four serotypes which mean that a patient who recovers after getting dengue can still be infected with its other varieties.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lily de Las Llagas, a parasitology expert in the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine, said that people who sport curly hair and menstruating women are most susceptible to dengue as they are most prone to mosquito bites.

“People who are curly, the Afro kind of curl, they are found to be naturally sweaty and sweat attracts mosquitoes. Similarly, people who are more active, those who are talkative release carbon dioxide and mosquitoes are also attracted to carbon dioxide. Women who are having their monthly period smell of blood and the female Aedes Aegypti who feeds on blood are also attracted to them,” Dr. De Las Llagas explained during a forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).